Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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110. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the enforcement of the prohibition of the sale of turf; if he has engaged with local authorities on this issue, specifically the local authorities in Offaly and Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1410/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The new regulations on the sale of solid fuels for domestic heating in Ireland came into operation on 31 October 2022. They introduce minimum standards that apply across all solid fuels, to ensure that the most polluting can no longer be made available on the Irish market and to assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives.

My Department has engaged extensively and continues to engage with all Local Authorities with regard to enforcement of the new regulations, developing guidance and training, and supporting the sharing of best practice in relation to a range of legislative obligations that are under the remit of the Local Authorities. A workshop for Local Authorities was held during October, in advance of the regulations taking effect, and a further workshop is scheduled for early March. In addition, a detailed guidance document on enforcement of the new regulations has been developed and circulated to all Local Authorities.

My Department and the Local Government Management Agency are continuing to work together to establish an enhanced enforcement support structure to support the provision of improved co-ordination, expertise, and advice to support consistent implementation of air quality legislation across the country.

I have also made grant funding available to support Local Authorities through a solid fuels enforcement pilot scheme to support innovation and enhanced enforcement of the new solid fuel regulations. We will continue to work with the sector in the coming months to provide further co-ordination and support as appropriate.